Exploring The Neural & Vascular Cosmos

The Kara lab solves puzzles in sensory perception and neurovascular coupling in the mammalian brain. We use two-photon and three-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiological techniques in vivo. Our long-term goal is to obtain a comprehensive view of how the brain adapts to change in adulthood, development, and disease. Our research is grounded in basic science but our approaches will gradually crossover into disease models in neurology (stroke, vascular dementia) and ophthalmology (amblyopia—lazy eye). See our Research page for more information.

The lab relocated from Charleston South Carolina in 2018 to lead a new initiative—the Medical Discovery Team (MDT) in Optical Imaging and Brain Science at the University of Minnesota.